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I had no idea this was a series when I requested a copy of this book through Netgalley. This series has the Binkerton children entering the Good Times Travel Agency, in this book, during a storm. Libby, the youngest sibling, is attracted to a model of a Viking Longship. As she reaches out to touch it, the three of them end up traveling back in time and to a new location with a Guide Book. They must work through the guide book in order to return home. This is a graphic novel, with great illustrations that will entice kids. They are detailed, and often have funny jokes thrown in. I liked the format with the graphics at the top of the page and an open page of the guidebook at the bottom with facts about whatever is happening in the story. It is not overwhelming, but quite informative. I appreciate that Linda Bailey differentiates between the fact and fiction in the book and gives further facts at the end. The illustrations do a good job of illustrating some of the information given in a fun way. I thought this was an excellent introduction to Viking lore and history. I will be watching for more in this series. This book would be a great addition to a school, classroom or family library. Reluctant readers would love this series. The publisher, Kids Can Press, generously provided me with a copy of this book to read. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own. ( )

My 9YO liked it because it had good facts and information woven in a story. My 12YO found it silly. We read it along with our study of the VIkings in addition to our spine textbook [Story of the World, volume 2]. ( )

Part of the Good Times Travel Agency series, this book does an excellent job of making history entertaining. The factual elements are kept simple and light, so that the reader doesn't get too bogged down in details. Bill Slavin's illustrations are wonderful, adding a hectic and humorous element to what could otherwise be a fairly dry subject. ( )

I suppose if your children have nothing better to do with their time, you can let them read it. It's written in a comic book style (with a 'guidebook' at the bottom of each page giving the factual content). There's nothing objectionable, but the storyline is weak, and the informal language, even in the 'guidebook' is insulting (e.g. 'Most Vikings live in long houses called -- guess what? -- longhouses' or 'To go 'a-viking' means to go raiding on the sea like a pirate and -- well, never mind about that now. You'll find out, soon enough.'). The information seems reliable enough, although there is little information about key people in Viking history. I suppose it will appeal to some children, but this is a terrible way to teach about the Vikings, if that's your goal with this book. Noble idea, but the execution fell short. I'd rather see them read Viking Tales by Jenny Hall, real folktales from this time period that give nearly as much information and are far better literature.